The company that you work for is planning a holiday office party two weeks away, and you are handed a sign-up sheet to bring a food item. Everyone is expected to bring something different. If you are new to this, don’t let it catch you off guard. Many people procrastinate and face the pressure of last-minute shopping or preparation. However, careful planning in advance will ease your worries. Think of this as an exciting group project since contributing food to parties is meant to be pleasant.
Companies host various types of parties to celebrate holidays, birthdays, retirement or going away, and promotions. When employees are asked to bring food, you should consider the number of people who will be eating, whether the company has refrigerators and microwaves to preserve and control the temperature, whether any coworkers have allergies to certain foods, the paper products and utensils that the company will supply, whether you are the type of person who likes and has time to cook or prepare or one who prefers to buy already prepared food, and the time of day of the party (morning, afternoon, or evening).
When office parties are held in the morning, it is appropriate to bring breakfast foods. Ideas for those who like to cook include omelets, salmon patties, or sausage links, and casseroles such as hash brown or French toast. For those on the go, there are options such as fresh fruit trays with melon, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and pineapples; danishes; and raisin biscuits. While these foods can be purchased from a grocery store, you can also buy mega-sized trays of fast foods such as Chic-fil-A mini biscuits from restaurants. Foods that are appropriate during lunch and dinner time include chef salads with the toppings of parmesan or feta cheese, tomatoes, onions, black olives, and croutons; pasta, potato, or chicken/tuna salads; finger sandwiches composed of chicken, tuna, or egg salad and pimento or cream cheese; deviled eggs; salsa or cheese dip with tortilla chips; casseroles (broccoli, green bean, squash), potato salad; egg rolls; soups; fresh vegetable trays that include broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, celery, and dip; deli meat and cheese platters, crackers, chips, and nuts to name a few. In addition to healthy foods, there is always room for dessert consisting of banana pudding, doughnuts, pies, cakes, strawberry short cake, and more. Other unique recipes can be found in various magazines or from the internet. When choosing foods, be sure that you can also furnish the appropriate container and covering.
Remember that many companies value teamwork. By participating to donate a food item or recipe, you are demonstrating team spirit. Not only are you needed to make the party a success but also to create a lasting memory. Think of an office party as an incentive and break from tedious work demands that helps improve employee morale. An office party is also a great social activity that helps establish the culture of an organization. Even more, for people with culinary talents, this is an opportunity to show off your creativity and exchange recipes.
